Former Senate President, Dr. Abubakar Bukola Saraki, has charged the new executive committee members of the Peoples Democratic Party in the state to work assiduously toward retaking power.
Saraki gave the charge on Saturday when he spoke after the election of new State Executive Council members.
“You should begin to work in earnest to ensure overall victory for the party at the 2023 general elections,” he said at the end of the party’s congress which produced consensus winners.
He added: “As soon as you leave this venue, work should begin.
“The peaceful conduct of this congress has confirmed to me that we are indeed ready to take back power in Kwara.”
Former Speaker, Kwara State House of Assembly, Alhaji Mohammed Babatunde, emerged as the Chairman, while Umaru Muhammed emerged as Deputy Chairman.
Tunde Ashaolu retained the position of Publicity Secretary at the end of the congress.
Other officers who emerged by consensus were Bisi Fakayode, Chairman, South Senatorial Zone; Baba Jimoh, Chairman, North Senatorial Zone; and Haliru Dansoho, as Youth Leader.
The News Agency of Nigeria reports that prominent leaders of the party had worked underground for the adoption of the consensus arrangement.
In his acceptance speech, Babatunde said he was not unaware of the task ahead, adding that he was prepared.
He said: “We will start work from the grassroots and walk our walk to the up.
“We will use the next local government election to tell Kwara people that we are back.”
Hon. John Akwarashi, leader of the election committee from the PDP national headquarters, Abuja, said it was gratifying to confirm that Kwara State PDP chose the consensus option.
“It is clear that the choice of officers is the choice of the majority of party members,” Akwarashi said.
The official who led the team of the Independent National Electoral Commission to the congress, Malam Shehu Abdulkadir, said: “From what we have seen, it is clear that the choice of consensus is the overwhelming choice of the party members.”
In attendance at the congress were former Gov. Abdulfatah Ahmed; former Minister of Sports, Bolaji Abdullahi; and Abubakar Kanike, former House of Representatives member.